Sexual Ethics: Homosexuality

Question 1

Secular views

Answer 1

• In 1967 it was made legal for men aged 21 or over to have sex – before this it was a crime and people were imprisoned if they were found to be practising homosexual sex.
• In 2001 it was made legal for men aged 16 to have sex
• In 2002 the law changed allowing homosexuals to adopt children (The Equality Law).
• In 2014 the first same sex marriage took place.

Question 2

Christianity

Answer 2

There is no possibility of life arising from the sexual union, and so it is wrong on a natural law basis. Same-sex marriages have not been permitted and so any kind of homosexual sex has taken place outside marriage which is sinful, along with other forms of sex outside marriage. Finally there are specific scriptural passages that have implied a divine command against homosexuality.

Question 3

Church of England

Answer 3

Requires homosexual clergy to remain celibate. Although it also affirmed that there is a place for homosexuals in the Church and that some shame and repentance on the part of the Church is appropriate for the way homosexuals have been treated. However when taken for a vote before the General Synod it was rejected.

Question 4

Anglican

Answer 4

The worldwide Anglican community stated that the ordinations of “practising homosexuals and the blessing of same-sex unions call into question the authority of holy scripture”. The CoE remain split over the issue of homosexuality.

Question 5

Roman Catholic Church

Answer 5

There is no sin involved in an inclination towards a member of the same sex, as such an inclination is not freely chosen and is a trial. Sexual relationships between homosexuals is regarded as a sin as it is not procreative. The RC church maintains that the homosexual person should be treated with respect, compassion and sensitivity, and not discriminated against. Homosexual acts themselves are sinful, depraved and intrinsically disordered (based on Natural Law).

Question 6

The Methodist Church

Answer 6

“We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry and with all persons.” ‘The Book of Discipline’

Question 7

Liberal Christians

Answer 7

A good God could not intentionally create disordered human beings.

Question 8

Gareth Moore

Answer 8

Argues that there is a Christian basis for an inclusive attitude towards homosexuals because it is a religion that positively seeks to make room for the marginalized, outcasts and failures in society – this is what Jesus did.

Question 9

B.A. Robinson

Answer 9

Notes that liberal Christians within the Methodist Church consider gay and lesbian ordination and same-sex marriage as civil rights issues.